JAKARTA - Carlo Paalam refused to say goodbye to his hopes of a gold medal while Eumir Marcial showed off his power once against as they joined Rogen Ladon in the semifinals of the 18th Asian Games boxing competitions with impressive decision wins, all assured of at least a bronze medal.
After easily defeating Tu Powei of Chinese Taipei in the Round of 16, Paalam was met with a tougher opponent in Zhussupov. He didn't let his opponent's vast experience get the best of him as the 20-year-old Filipino boxer starter aggressively.
Paalam timed the attacks of Zhussupov and countered with either a right straight down the pipe of a jab-straight-hook combination while staying away from trouble because of his quick foot and head movement. Zhussupov barely landed in the match as most of his punches came at the clinch while Paalam landed scoring punches from the outside.
After three action-packed rounds, Paalam was declared the winner via split decision. Three judges scored it a shut-out 30-27 while one had it 29-28 for Paalam. The judge from Iran somehow scored it for Zhussupov, 29-28.
"I was surprised with the decision," Paalam said. "I thought I won the first two rounds clearly because that was where I got my rhythm but it's okay as long as we got the victory."
Paalam now marches on to the semifinals where he takes on the powerful Amit of India, one of the top-ranked boxers in the 46-49kg category.
"Going up against Kazakhstan is never easy so I gave my best in the ring. I told myself that there was no tomorrow for me if I lost this fight," Paalam added. "My opponent was good, strong, and smart. He's 10 years older so he has more experience so I'm happy with the victory."
Marcial fought a few hours later as he took on Kim Jinjea of Korea. Throughout the match, it was Marcial's power that was the evident difference. He peppered his opponent with jabs, left straights, and right hooks.
The Korea, who got a taste of Marcial's power early, refused to engage as he settled for throwing punches from the outside, which mostly hit the Filipinol's arms and gloves.
The heavy puncher finished the fight on a great note as he even scored a standing-8-count just before the final bell. Marcial won via shut-out unanimous decision with four judges scoring it 30-27 and the fifth judge scoring the fight 30-25. He next takes on Israel Madrimov of Uzbekistan in the semifinals.
The boxing competition takes a break on Thursday with semifinal action resuming on Friday. Ladon, Paalam and Marcial will abe gunning for a victory that will ensure them of at least a silver medal.